Donna Franklin's Obituary
Donna Franklin Obituary
Donna Marguerite (Watson) Franklin Born September 5, 1928 in Jenks, Oklahoma, Donna was the daughter of Donald and Edith (Moss) Watson. Growing up in Tulsa, Donna would attend and graduate from Tulsa’s Central High School. Upon graduation, she would begin work at the telephone company and later for Prudential Life Insurance.Through mutual friends, Donna was introduced to Kenneth L. “Kenny” Franklin. This meeting was successful as, following a courtship, the two were married on Valentine’s Day in 1948. The couple would make their first home in Tulsa, but it was Rogers County where they truly made a life together and as a family with daughters: Terrie, Shirley, and Carol. Living in Catoosa for a time, the Franklin’s eventually found a spot a bit closer to Claremore. This is when they became the proud owners of the ‘Franklin Farm’. This seemed to be the perfect place for Donna, an animal lover. Over the years the farm was home to horses, dogs, cats, ducks, turtles, a rooster and even a pet raccoon. She not only loved the family pets, but she also loved wildlife. Out on the farm, she had the opportunity to nurture numerous orphan baby birds and bunnies to the point that they were able to be released back into the wild. Now the farm was not only a ‘sanctuary’ of sorts where family lessons were learned and family memories made, it was also the location that, for 10 years, hosted an annual Girl Scout Day Camp. Donna was not only the director of this camp, but was also a huge supporter of the Girl Scouts organization, in general, even starting the first Troop in Catoosa. When she wasn’t busy on the farm or volunteering with Girl Scouts, Donna could be found at “Mr. Swiss”, in Claremore, a burger and ice cream dive that she proudly owned. It was through that establishment that Donna employed her daughters and their friends throughout their years in high school. Having a profound impact on her customers and her employees alike, it seemed Donna had a way of encouraging and giving guidance to those closest to her. Some of her employees even chose to stay and work for her for many years - a high compliment to this gracious and lovely lady.In her spare time, Donna was an avid tennis player and golfer belonging to the Heritage Hills Women’s Golf Association. She was also an excellent bridge player, playing regularly at the Claremore Senior Citizens Center. Skilled in sewing and needlework, Donna made many quilts and treasures for her family including cherished hand-crafted Christmas stockings for each of her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Donna will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020 in Tulsa at the age of 91. Donna was preceded in death by her parents: Donald Watson and Edith Price; her loving husband, Ret. Lt. Col. Kenneth L. Franklin and her brother, Doug Price.She is survived by: daughters: Terrie Neely and husband, Steve of Claremore; Shirley Vincent and husband, Jim of Tulsa and Carol Cherry and husband, Al of Tulsa; grandchildren: Amelia Cherry, Ryan Neely and wife, Amy and their children: Elliot, Emmalyn and Everly; Ginger Kollmann and husband, Dave and their children: Grant, Reed and Neely Holley, Brooks, Britton and Mary Kris Kollmann; step-grandchildren: Abbie and Winston Peraza and their children: Lucie, Sofie and Lily; B. J. and Ben van Glabbeek and their children: Ava and Miles and Keith Vincent and Anthony Lee.She is also survived by: sisters-in-law, Nancy Price of Claremore and Marilyn Franklin along with nephew, Michael Franklin (both formerly of Claremore) now in Houston along with numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Donna will be planned at a later date. Donna’s family requests that donations, in her memory, be directed to Safenet Services, P.O. Box 446, Claremore, OK 74018. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Bixby Funeral Service. (www.bixbyfuneralservice.com)
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